Council praised for balancing the books

Susan Plunkett

An independent watchdog looked at how well the authority managed its finances and whether or not it provided value for money for its residents.

And external auditor Grant Thornton (UK) LLP said the council had proper arrangements in place to ensure it delivered value for money.

Vince Green, Financial Services Manager, said: “This is an impartial and objective report on our financial performance and accounting for our use of public funds.

“The report gives the public an opportunity to learn about how we manage public funds.

The report is especially welcome as Pendle Council, along with all local authorities in the county, has been affected by swingeing budget cuts enforced on them by Lancashire County Council which has to make savings of £262M over the next five years.

Coun. Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “These are tough times as we balance the budget each year with fewer resources, but I’m happy the auditors acknowledge that we do a good job.

“We produced the audited accounts two months earlier than last year and were among the earliest councils in Lancashire to do so.”

The auditor’s report is on the council’s website - www.pendle.gov.uk/auditletter.